E-frame futon

ABSTRACT

A new simple and inexpensive futon frame which can be converted from a bed to a sofa. The frame is fabricated in a three-section, tri-fold configuration with three sections hingedly joined together. When opened, the segments of the frame form a horizontal bed support frame. The hinge points of the frame are offset to allow for folding of the frame into the sofa and/or into a small, compact unit for ease in shipping. Each of the frame sections has support legs, some of which are foldably mounted to the frame. The back legs of the frame (when it is a bed) become a support for the back of the frame (when it is a sofa). The use of a steel mesh as the futon mattress supporting surface adds great benefit to the product in that it allows use of a much thinner (less costly) futon mattress.

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention is directed to a furniture product, in general,and to a futon frame which is convertible from a bed to a sofaconfiguration (and vice versa), in particular.

[0003] 2. Prior Art

[0004] There are many types of furniture products known in the art. Onesuch furniture product is a futon (a thin mattress-like device) usedwith a support frame. The typical frame, which can be fabricated ofmetal, wood or other suitable materials, supports the futon-mattress offthe floor (or similar surface) in order to provide a greater comfortlevel to the user.

[0005] However, the known support frames are usually fairly limited inconfiguration, i.e. a bed-like support. Also, the conventional frameuses slats for supporting the futon mattress. The known arrangementsprovide limited variation in the utilization of the frame, as well as inthe configuration of the furniture. Moreover, the slat support requiresa fairly thick futon mattress in order to provide any reasonableexpectation of comfort by the user.

[0006] One type of known apparatus, frequently referred to as a pinelounger, is a convertible futon. However, among other short comings, itrests directly on the floor and does not include support legs.Consequently, a sofa-height configuration (as intended in thisdescription) cannot be achieved. Likewise, securing a sofa back inposition is not readily achievable.

[0007] Another type of known convertible futon apparatus is oftenreferred to as an A-frame device. However, this device incorporatesseparate arms, crossbars and similar supports and components. Theserequirements render this device difficult to utilize and expensive tofabricate.

[0008] As a consequence, a new and improved configuration of the frameis highly desirable in order to provide a less expensive, more adaptableconvertible futon.

SUMMARY OF THE INSTANT INVENTION

[0009] A new simple and inexpensive futon frame which can be convertedfrom a bed to sofa configuration The frame includes three sections. Toform a bed, the sections of the futon frame are unfolded into asubstantially horizontal planar configuration and a futon mattressplaced thereon. To form a sofa, the sections of the frame are foldedinto a generally A-frame configuration, wherein portions of the frameform the seat and back of the sofa. The futon is folded as well andplaced on the folded frame. Typically, the frame is fabricated of roundtubes which are cradled by half pipe receptacles supported by thesupport legs of the frame although rectilinear tubes are alsocontemplated. The hinge points of the frame are offset to allow forfolding and unfolding the frame to form one configuration to anotherand, as well, for convenience in packaging and shipping. A steel mesh isused as the support surface for the futon and permits use of arelatively thin futon mattress while providing uniform support thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is an oblique view of the frame of the instant invention inthe configuration of a bed.

[0011]FIG. 2 is an oblique view of the frame of the instant invention inthe configuration of a sofa.

[0012]FIGS. 3A and 3B are a detailed views of the offset hinge used inthe frame of the instant invention.

[0013]FIG. 4 is an end view of the middle support leg and the associatedhinge.

[0014]FIG. 5 is a side view of the frame of the instant invention in theconfiguration of a bed with a futon mattress thereon.

[0015]FIG. 6 is a side view of the frame of the instant invention in theconfiguration of a sofa with the futon mattress thereon.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0016] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an oblique view of theframe 100 in the bed configuration and without a futon or mattressthereon. The frame 100 includes three separate sections, namely the footsection 101, the midsection 102 and the head section 103. The footsection 100 is a generally rectangular frame with two rounded corners atthe front side of the section for convenience. The rounded corners tendto eliminate an undesirable “shin barking” hazard for users of the unit.The rectangular frame 101 is generally comprised of a strong, rigidtubular material such as but not limited to steel. The tubular materialis, typically, hollow and cylindrical in configuration. A reinforcingmember 104 such as a rod or a tube fabricated of material similar to theframe 100 is mounted to the frame foot section 101 for additionalsupport. This additional support strength is desirable as will bediscussed infra. A steel mesh 105 is attached to the foot frame section101 in any suitable fashion such as by rivets, nuts and bolts, weldingor the like.

[0017] The midsection frame 102 is also comprised of a generallyrectangular frame fabricated of the tube or rod as described relative tothe foot frame section 101. A steel mesh 106 (similar to mesh 105) isattached to the midsection frame 102 in the same or similar manner as inthe case of the mesh attachment to foot frame 101.

[0018] The head section frame 103 is substantially similar to the footframe section 101 and the midsection frame 102. That is, the frame 103is fabricated of a rod or a tubular metal and a steel mesh 107 isattached thereto. In the head section frame 103, preferably, the roundedouter corners are provided for convenience and for safety, i.e. avoidinga sharp corner, as described supra.

[0019] As shown, the tubular frame of the foot frame section 101 isjoined to the tubular frame of midsection 102 by suitable hinges 108 and109. The hinges 108 and 109 are arranged to permit the midsection 102 tofold upwardly relative to the foot frame section as described infra.

[0020] Similarly, the tubular frame of the head frame section 103 isjoined to the tubular frame of the midsection 102 by suitable hinges 110and 111. The hinges 110 and 111 are similar to hinges 108 and 109.However, the hinges 110 and 111 are arranged to permit the head section103 to fold downwardly relative to the midsection frame 102.

[0021] Thus, in the embodiment described in FIG. 1, the three sectionsof the futon are joined together, in parallel, along the longer axesthereof and folding of these sections relative to each other isprovided.

[0022] As is shown, head section support legs 112 are attached to theouter sides of the head frame section 103. The head support legs 112 arepreferably formed of a rectilinear tube as will be discussed furtherinfra. Typically, the head support legs 112 are attached to the frame102 by rivets, bolts, screws, welding or the like. The legs 112 (whichcan be integrally formed within the frame 102) are joined to the frame102 near the outer side of the head frame section 103 to support thissection in the horizontal plane when the frame 100 is used in the bedconfiguration.

[0023] The foot section support legs 114 are attached to the outer sidesof the foot frame section 101.

[0024] The foot support legs 114 are, preferably, formed of an invertedU-shaped, rectilinear tube as will be discussed further infra.Typically, the foot support legs 114 are attached to the outer sides offrame 102 by rivets, bolts, screws, welding or the like. A half pipereceptacle 115 may be attached to the foot support legs 114 to retainthe round tube frame 101. The legs 114 (which can be integrally formedwithin the frame 101) are joined to the frame 101 near the outer side ofthe frame to support the foot frame section in the horizontal plane whenthe frame 100 is used either in the bed or the sofa configuration.

[0025] The midsection support leg 113 is attached to the outer sides ofthe midsection frame section by hinges 116 and extends along the lengthof the midsection frame. The midsection support legs 113 are preferablyformed of an inverted U-shaped tube as will be discussed further infra.Of course, the midsection support leg 113 may be formed of two or morepieces for convenience.

[0026] One end of the middle support leg 113 is mounted to themidsection frame 102 by hinge 116. The hinge 116 permits the leg 113 tofold slightly toward the foot section 101 but restrains the motion ofthe leg 113 toward the head section 103. Thus, the support leg 113 isrestrained in rearward pivoting around hinge 115 and provides support tomidsection 102 when the frame 100 is in the bed configuration as shownin FIG. 1.

[0027] However, the leg 113 can pivot slightly forwardly (i e. clockwisein FIG. 1) and thereby be positioned in close proximity to themidsection 102 when the frame 100 is in the sofa configuration as shownin FIG. 2.

[0028] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an oblique view of theframe 100 in the sofa configuration and without a futon mattressthereon.

[0029] In this configuration, the foot frame section 101 remains in thehorizontal plane with the inverted U-shaped foot section support legs114 attached thereto as shown and described relative to FIG. 1.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the midsection frame 102 has been foldedupwardly around the hinges 108 and the head section 103 has been foldeddownwardly around the hinges 110. In this configuration, the middlesupport leg 113 has folded around the hinges 116 and into closeproximity to the back or underside of the midsection 102. Thisarrangement precludes interference by the middle support legs 113 witheither the upwardly hinged midsection 102 or the downwardly hinged headsection 102.

[0031] The position of the middle support leg 113, thus, permits theouter end of the head section 103 to fold into contact (or near contact)with the rearward leg of the inverted U-shaped foot section supportlegs. Also, as will be noted, the head support legs 112 rest upon theupper surface of the foot support legs 114. This arrangement provides arest position for the head section 103 which supports the midsection 102as a comfortable “back” for the frame 100 in the sofa configuration.

[0032] When the head support leg 112 and the inverted U-shaped footsupport legs 114 are fabricated of rectilinear tubing (or the like), aflat abutment surface is provided for the legs. Thus, the folded frameis quite secure in the sofa configuration.

[0033] Alternatively, the head support legs 112 can be fabricated ofround tubular material. In this situation, it may be desirable toinclude a half pipe receptacle (similar to receptacle 115) on the uppersurface of the foot support legs.

[0034]FIGS. 3A and 3B are a detailed view of the hinges 108-111,inclusive. The structure of all of the hinges is substantially similar.That is, each hinge includes connector arms 330 and 331 with a suitablespacer 332 therebetween. The spacer 332 is a washer-like element whichmaintains the connector arms 330 and 331 in substantially parallel,spaced-apart relationship. The spacer 332 can be a washer, a grommet orsimilar component fabricated of hard rubber, metal or the like.

[0035] A pivot axis 304 passes through the connector arms 220 and 331 aswell as through the grommet 332. The pivot axis retains the connectorarms and the grommet in a rotatable relationship Each of the connectorarms 330 or 331 is joined to one of the adjacent frame sections. Thus,the frame sections are positioned adjacent to each other yet free torotate around the pivot axis of the hinges. By mounting the hinges in aparticular position, the hinges permit about 90° rotation in eachdirection wherein the hinge connector arms 330 and 331 move from 180°open to 0° relative to each other.

[0036]FIG. 4 is an end view of the middle support leg 113 and the middleleg hinge 116. The hinge pivot 416 passes through the end of leg 113 andthe hinge support 116. The hinge support permits the leg 113 to rotateclockwise about 90° (as shown in FIG. 4) but limits the counterclockwiserotation to the position shown in FIG. 4. Thus, leg 113 can rotateclockwise into close proximity to the frame 102 (as shown in dashedoutline) but remains at approximately 90° to form a support as shown insolid line in FIG. 4.

[0037]FIG. 5 is a side view of the frame 100 of the instant inventionwith a futon mattress 500 thereon in the configuration of a bed. In thisembodiment, the frame 100 is shown in the horizontal configuration asdepicted in FIG. 1. The mattress 500 is, typically, a relatively thinflat mattress and effectively covers the entire frame.

[0038]FIG. 6 is a side view of the frame 100 of the instant inventionwith a futon mattress 600 thereon in the configuration of a sofa. Themattress 600 shown in FIG. 6 is the same mattress shown in FIG. 5.However, the mattress 600 has been folded so that the midportion 602thereof overlies the foot portion 601 thereof to form a double-thickseat cushion 605. The head portion 603 of the mattress 600 is nowdisposed against the upright midsection 102 of the frame 100 to form theback cushion 606 of a sofa.

[0039] Thus, there is shown and described a unique design and concept ofan e-frame futon While this description is directed to a particularembodiment, it is understood that those skilled in the art may conceivemodifications and/or variations to the specific embodiments shown anddescribed herein. Any such modifications or variations which fall withinthe purview of this description are intended to be included therein aswell. It is understood that the description herein is intended to beillustrative only and is not intended to be limitative. Rather, thescope of the invention described herein is limited only by the claimsappended hereto.

1. A furniture unit comprising, first, second and third frame sectionsjoined together by hinged joints, first support means attached to andsupporting said first frame section, second support means attached toand supporting said second frame section, said first, second and thirdframe sections adapted to fold together at the hinged joints such thatsaid second support means is selectively placed in supportive abutmentwith said first support means.
 2. The unit recited in claim 1 wherein,each of said first, second and third frame sections comprises a first,second and third outer frame respectively and a separate support surfaceattached to the respective outer frame.
 3. The unit recited in claim 2wherein, each said support surface is formed of a mesh.
 4. The unitrecited in claim 1 including, third support means attached to andsupporting said third frame section
 5. The united recited in claim 4wherein, said third support means is attached to said third framesection by hinged joints.
 6. The united recited in claim 2 wherein, eachof said first, second and third outer frames has a generally rectangularconfiguration.
 7. The united recited in claim 6 wherein, each of saidfirst, second and third outer frames has substantially the same length.8. The united recited in claim 7 wherein, each of said first, second andthird outer frame has a different width.
 9. The united recited in claim1 including, a foldable mattress adapted to be placed on at least two ofsaid first, second and third frame sections.
 10. The united recited inclaim 1 wherein, said first support means includes an inverted U-shapedsupport leg fixedly attached to said first frame section.
 11. The unitedrecited in claim 1 wherein, said second support means includes a supportleg fixedly attached to said second frame section.
 12. The unitedrecited in claim 4 wherein, said support means comprises an invertedU-shaped support leg hingedly attached to said third frame section. 13.The united recited in claim 1 wherein, said first support meansselectively supports a portion of said third frame section.
 14. Theunited recited in claim 5 wherein, each of said hinged joints includesfirst and second arms with a spacer therebetween and a common axistherethrough.
 15. The united recited in claim 4 wherein, each of saidfirst and second arms of each of said hinged joints is attached to thesides of adjacent pairs of said first, second and third frame sections.16. A furniture unit comprising, first, second and third frame sectionsjoined together by hinged joints, first support means attached to andsupporting said first frame section, second support means attached toand supporting said second frame section, said first, second and thirdframe sections adapted to fold together at the hinged joints such thatsaid second support means is selectively placed in supportive abutmentwith said first support means, each of said first, second and thirdframe sections comprises a first, second and third outer framerespectively and a separate support surface attached to the respectiveouter frame, third support means attached to and supporting said thirdframe section, each of said first, second and third outer frames has agenerally rectangular configuration.